Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can damage the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Left untreated, the damage can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Mild cases of gum disease are easy to treat with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits for cleanings and x-rays.
If you have advanced gum disease, treatments may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), tissue grafts, and antibiotics. Antibiotics can be used alone or in combination with surgery and other treatments to reduce bacteria that cause plaque and inflammation, and to suppress destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone. Chlorhexidine (Peridex, PerioChip, PerioGard) is an example of a common antibiotic used to control gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend other medications, such as doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline.
Smoking greatly increases your risk of gum disease, so quitting is a big help. Genetics and some health conditions, such as diabetes, also increase your risk of getting gum disease.
Understanding Gum Disease: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment
In the mildest form of gum disease, called gingivitis, only your gums are infected. But if you don’t get treatment, the infection can travel below your gum line and infect the roots of your teeth, causing more serious problems. Untreated infections can also enter your bloodstream, where they can affect the rest of your body. Research shows a link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other serious health problems. Untreated gum disease can also contribute to diabetes and pregnancy complications.
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